Real Techniques, and which set you need
Good brushes change how makeup looks more than most people expect, and Real Techniques is the brand that made decent synthetic brushes affordable. The bristles are synthetic throughout, which matters practically: synthetic brushes handle liquid and cream products better than natural hair, and they wash more easily.
Starting from nothing
The Everyday Essentials Brush & Sponge Set (Rs 3,999) is the complete answer: four brushes for face, cheeks and eyes plus the Miracle Complexion Sponge. If you own no brushes at all, buy this one and stop.
If you only do base
The Face Base Brush Set (Rs 3,500) covers foundation and concealer without the eye brushes, which is the sensible pick if eyeshadow is not part of your routine.
Adding one brush
The Blush Brush 400 (Rs 1,600) on its own is the cheapest real upgrade available to most people. Powder blush applied with a decent brush instead of whatever came in the compact looks like a different product.
Looking after them
Wash brushes weekly with a brush cleanser. Rinse the sponge after every use, deep clean it weekly, and replace it roughly every 30 uses. A dirty sponge is a genuine cause of breakouts, and it is the step nearly everyone skips.
Real Techniques FAQs
Which Real Techniques set should I buy first?
The Everyday Essentials Brush and Sponge Set if you own nothing, because it covers face, cheeks and eyes in one purchase. The Face Base set if you only wear foundation and concealer.
How often should I wash makeup brushes?
Weekly for brushes, and rinse the sponge after every single use with a weekly deep clean. An unwashed sponge holds bacteria and is a real cause of breakouts.
Are the brushes synthetic?
Yes, all of them, and they are cruelty-free and vegan. Synthetic bristles also handle liquid and cream products better than natural hair does.
When should I replace the sponge?
Real Techniques suggests around every 30 uses. If it has stains that will not wash out, or it has started to tear, replace it sooner.